Connected-vehicle interface module and method of use

ABSTRACT

A connected-vehicle interface module is provided that includes a connected-vehicle controller, a wireless data connected-vehicle radio for receiving an activation signal indicating a road condition, and a connected-vehicle interface controller. The connected-vehicle interface controller including a microcontroller and a plurality of universal asynchronous receiver transmitters for receiving, transmitting, and processing data received by at least one of the connected-vehicle controller and the connected-vehicle radio, and communicated to the microcontroller via one or more wired connections; a memory device for storing program data, a transceiver and one or more communication ports, coupled to the microcontroller, for connection and communication with a connected vehicle road side unit, wherein the activation signal is communicated to the connected vehicle road side unit via the one or more communication ports, and at least one operator interface in communication with at least one of the connected-vehicle radio, the connected-vehicle interface controller, and the connected-vehicle controller.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No.62/886,562 filed on Aug. 14, 2019, and is a continuation of U.S. Pat.No. 11,610,486 issued on Mar. 21, 2023, the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference in entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

The connected-vehicle interface module and method of use relate to thefield of transportation safety, and more particularly to warning systemsto enhance safety.

BACKGROUND

Various types of vehicle warning systems (e.g. Intelligent WarningSystems (IWS), Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), etc.) arecommonly used to warn vehicle drivers of different types of roadconditions, such as a pedestrian crossing the street, a vehicletraveling the wrong-way on a ramp, or an upcoming road that is flooded.As such, a vehicle warning system can be found in various locations,such as at pedestrian crosswalks, along one-way streets, at curves, etc.A vehicle warning system may use LED-enhanced signs, beacons, or othermeans to annunciate a specific condition to a driver. A vehicle warningsystem can be powered by a main AC power line, a solar panel andbattery, or a combination of the two. Commonly a vehicle warning systemmay be installed a notable distance from a major intersection or otherexternal power source, and therefore utilizes a solar panel andbatteries due to the significant cost of installing an AC power line tothe location. The use of batteries allows for cost effectiveinstallation of a vehicle warning system wherever needed, regardless ofthe availability of an AC power line.

In addition to various types of vehicle warning system, connectedvehicle Road Side Units (RSU) have also become prevalent. An RSUcommunicates information to a connected vehicle using a form ofVehicle-to-everything (V2X) wireless communication, such as DedicatedShort-Range Communication (DSRC), Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything(C-V2X), etc. DSRC and C-V2X both use a 5.9 GHz radio, which operates onthe reserved (5.9 GHz) spectrum for Intelligent Transportation Systems.An RSU also utilizes various additional radios, such as a GlobalPositioning System radio, a cellular radio for network communications,etc. As a result of the totality of the radios and other processing andcommunication devices found in an RSU, an RSU consumes a large amount ofpower. As such, RSU's are installed along with other traffic controldevices requiring continuous dedicated AC power, such as traffic signallights.

RSUs were designed around the idea of using a traffic signal controllerto provide the data and communication to the RSU of what state thesystem is in, when it is active, and what the RSU should becommunicating to vehicles. When the RSU is used at a signalizedintersection, it does not pose an issue, because there is already atraffic signal controller and power present. However, if an RSU wasdesired for a different application, such as for a vehicle warningsystems at a midblock crosswalk or a flood warning, generally an entiretraffic signal controller would need to be installed to receive theinput activating the system (e.g., a pedestrian pressing a button) andcommunicate this to the RSU in addition to having to install AC power.At these installations, the RSU installation generally includes theaddition of a large cabinet and an AC power line connected to thevehicle warning system, and due to the need for an RSU, a traffic signalcontroller, an activation device, and warning lights to all be on thesame pole, these systems have high power requirements that are notconducive with a battery and solar power energy source. These systemsare also not cost effective, due to the need for a traffic signalcontroller and the cabinet and hardware to support it. The high powerconsumption and need for a traffic signal controller have limited theability to use RSUs with various types of the warning systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the connected-vehicle interface module and method of useare disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings and are forillustrative purposes only. The method and apparatus is not limited inits application to the details of construction or the arrangement of thecomponents illustrated in the drawings. The method and apparatus arecapable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out inother various ways. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary connected vehiclecommunication system;

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary vehicle warningsystem of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary connected-vehicleinterface module of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of theconnected-vehicle interface module of FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary connected-vehicleinterface controller of the connected-vehicle interface module of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of another exemplaryconnected-vehicle interface controller of the connected-vehicleinterface module of FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 7 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the connected vehiclecommunication system of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 8 illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment of the connectedvehicle communication system of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 9 illustrates yet still another exemplary embodiment of theconnected vehicle communication system of FIG. 1 ; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a flow chart that represents an exemplary method ofusing the connected vehicle communication system of FIG. 1 .

BRIEF SUMMARY

In at least some embodiments, a connected-vehicle interface module isdisclosed that includes: a connected-vehicle controller; a wireless dataconnected-vehicle radio for receiving an activation signal from a firstvehicle warning system controller indicating a road condition; aconnected-vehicle interface controller further comprising: amicrocontroller and a plurality of universal asynchronous receivertransmitters for receiving, transmitting, and processing data receivedby at least one of the connected-vehicle controller and theconnected-vehicle radio, and communicated to the microcontroller via oneor more wired connections; a memory device in communication with themicrocontroller for storing program data; and an ethernet transceiverand communication port, coupled to the microcontroller, for connectionand communication with a connected vehicle road side unit, wherein theactivation signal is communicated to the connected vehicle road sideunit via the communication port; and at least one operator interface incommunication with at least one of the connected-vehicle radio, theconnected-vehicle interface controller, and the connected-vehiclecontroller.

In at least some other embodiments, a connected-vehicle interface moduleis disclosed that includes: a connected-vehicle controller; a wirelessdata connected-vehicle radio; a connected-vehicle interface controllerfurther comprising: a microcontroller and a plurality of universalasynchronous receiver transmitters for receiving, transmitting, andprocessing data received by at least one of the connected-vehiclecontroller and the connected-vehicle radio, and communicated to themicrocontroller via one or more wired connections; a memory device incommunication with the microcontroller; and an ethernet transceiver andcommunication port, coupled to the microcontroller, for connection andcommunication with a connected vehicle road side unit; at least oneoperator interface in communication with at least one of theconnected-vehicle radio, the connected-vehicle controller, and theconnected-vehicle interface controller, wherein the connected-vehicleinterface controller is coupled to a sensor for detecting a roadcondition, and wherein the connected-vehicle interface controllergenerates an activation signal upon detection of the road condition bythe sensor and communicates the activation signal to the connectedvehicle road side unit via the communication port.

In at least yet some other embodiments, a method of communicating asensed condition on a roadway to a driver is disclosed that includes:sensing a condition on the roadway using a sensor in communication witha vehicle warning system controller; activating an annunciator via thevehicle warning system controller; wirelessly transmitting an activationsignal from the vehicle warning system controller; receiving theactivation signal at a connected-vehicle interface module; communicatingthe activation signal to a connected vehicle road side unit via a wiredconnection from the connected-vehicle interface module to the connectedvehicle road side unit; and transmitting via the connected vehicle roadside unit, the activation signal to an in-vehicle interface device forannunciation to the driver.

In at least yet some further embodiments, a communication system isdisclosed that includes: a connected vehicle road side unit; and ahousing enclosing a power supply for the connected vehicle road sideunit and a connected-vehicle interface module, the connected-vehicleinterface module further comprising: a connected-vehicle controller; awireless data connected-vehicle radio for receiving an activation signalindicating a road condition; a microcontroller and a plurality ofuniversal asynchronous receiver transmitters for receiving,transmitting, and processing data received by at least one of theconnected-vehicle controller and the connected-vehicle radio, andcommunicated to the microcontroller via one or more wired connections; amemory device in communication with the microcontroller for storingprogram data; at least one configuration interface in communication withat least one of the connected-vehicle radio, the microcontroller, andthe connected-vehicle controller; and an ethernet transceiver andcommunication port for connection and communication with the connectedvehicle road side unit, wherein the activation signal is communicated tothe connected vehicle road side unit via an ethernet cable coupled tothe communication port.

Other embodiments, aspects, features, objectives and advantages of themethod and apparatus will be understood and appreciated upon a fullreading of the detailed description and the claims that follow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1 , a block diagram of an exemplary connected vehiclecommunication system 10 is provided. In at least some embodiments, asshown in FIG. 1 , the connected vehicle communication system 10 caninclude a vehicle warning system 12, a connected-vehicle interfacemodule 14, a connected vehicle road side unit 16, and an in-vehicleinterface device 18. The connected vehicle communication system 10senses and communicates various warnings to vehicle drivers to alertthem to different types of road conditions, such as a pedestriancrossing the street, a vehicle traveling the wrong-way on a ramp, orthat an upcoming road is flooded. In at least some embodiments, thevehicle warning system 12 is known in the industry as an IntelligentWarning System (IWS), Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), TrafficSafety Solution, etc. The vehicle warning system 12 is generallyinstalled on a roadway at a point where a road condition (e.g.,potentially hazardous road condition) is to be monitored, such as acrosswalk, a bridge, a one-way street, a flood zone, etc. The vehiclewarning system 12 can include various components to sense when ahazardous road condition is present and then provide an activationsignal, which is generally used to initiate a visual annunciation tooncoming vehicle drivers, such as flashing lights, beacons, etc.

Referring to FIG. 2 , a block diagram of the exemplary vehicle warningsystem 12 is provided. The vehicle warning system 12 can be comprised ofseveral components, including a wireless data radio, such as warningsystem radio 20, a warning system controller 22, one or more roadcondition sensors 24, and an annunciator 25 (e.g., flashing lights,beacons, etc.). The vehicle warning system 12 can be powered using ACpower when a power line is available, although when AC power is notavailable, or backup power is desired, the vehicle warning system 12 caninclude other power sources, such as one or more batteries 26, one ormore solar panels 28, etc. In at least some embodiments, the warningsystem radio 20 includes a microprocessor and a transceiver configuredto communicate via one or more specific frequencies, such as 900 MHz andcan further include digital inputs and outputs, a display, and anoperator interface, such as a surface mounted joystick or UniversalSerial Bus (USB) port, although other operating frequencies and radiofeatures can be utilized in addition to or in place of theaforementioned. The warning system radio 20 can be utilized to providecommunication between a plurality of vehicle warning systems 12. ABlinkerBeam Wireless Radio P/N 135291 as manufactured by TAPCO locatedin Brown Deer, Wisconsin, is one example of the components and featuresthat can be included in the warning system radio 20.

The warning system controller 22 is coupled at least indirectly with thewarning system radio 20 and provides various functions and as such, inat least some embodiments, can include a microprocessor and circuitrythat provides a light flasher, a solar panel charging unit regulator,battery charging circuitry, a scheduled timer, programming inputs (e.g.,serial RS232 port, cellular modem, etc.) a clock, a flasher timer, inputports for interconnecting different types of sensors 24, output portsfor powering annunciators 25 and communication protocols to sendactivation signals (e.g., via the warning system radio 20) to otherwarning system controllers 22 (in other vehicle warning systems 12) tocoordinate annunciation actions, such as sequential or concurrentillumination of annunciators located in various locations. An IWSController P/N 135232 as manufactured by TAPCO located in Brown Deer,Wisconsin is one example of the components and features that can beincluded in the warning system controller 22. The battery 26 can includeany one of various types of known batteries to provide the desired levelof power, such as a rechargeable lithium polymer or nickel metal hydridebattery (Ni-MH), etc. One exemplary battery can include P/N UB12350, asmanufactured by UPG located in Carrollton, Texas. The solar panel 28 caninclude any one of various types of known solar panels sized to providesufficient supply/charging power to the battery 26, such as P/NSPM085P-TS-N, as manufactured by SolarTech Power located in Ontario,Canada.

The various aforementioned components of the vehicle warning system 12are generally housed in a single cabinet and can be mounted on a pole inthe area where the potentially hazardous road condition resides. Thesensors 24 are connected to the warning system controller 22 and areconfigured to sense a particular type of road condition, such as apedestrian crossing the street, a vehicle traveling the wrong-way on aramp, an upcoming road that is flooded, a vehicle on the road, ice onthe road, moisture on the road, a construction hazard, an irregularpavement condition, etc., and therefore can include any of various typesof sensors, for example, a radar speed sensor, a vehicle presencesensor, an ice detection sensor, a moisture detection sensor, a radardirection sensor, a vehicle height sensor, a weather sensor, thermaldetection sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, a flood water sensor, apedestrian detection sensor, etc. The various types of sensors 24 usedto detect potentially hazardous road conditions are well known and canbe active or passive, as well as direct (e.g., a cross-walk pushbutton).The sensors 24 can be hardwired to the warning system controller 22 orcan communicate wirelessly with the warning system radio 20.

Referring to FIG. 3 , a block diagram of the exemplary connected-vehicleinterface module 14 is provided. The connected-vehicle interface module14 can be comprised of several components, and in at least someembodiments includes a wireless data radio, such as a connected-vehicleradio 30, a connected-vehicle controller 32, and a connected-vehicleinterface controller 34. In at least some embodiments, theconnected-vehicle radio 30 and connected-vehicle controller 32 areidentical respectfully to the warning system radio 20 and warning systemcontroller 22 found in the vehicle warning system 12, although in someembodiments they can differ in form and/or function having the same ordifferent components and features. As such, a BlinkerBeam Wireless RadioP/N 135291 as manufactured by TAPCO located in Brown Deer, Wisconsin, isone example of the components and features that can be included in theconnected-vehicle radio 30, and an IWS Controller P/N 135232 asmanufactured by TAPCO located in Brown Deer, Wisconsin is one example ofthe components and features that can be included in theconnected-vehicle controller 32.

In at least some embodiments, the connected-vehicle interface module 14further includes a display 36 and an operator interface 38. The operatorinterface 38 can in at least some embodiments, include a peripheraldevice (e.g., a joystick, buttons, etc.) and/or a peripheral port forconnection with another device for programming or setup by an operator.The display 36 can provide information regarding the operation and/orstatus of the connected-vehicle interface module 14, as well as displaymenus and other information while an operator is utilizing the operatorinterface 38. The connected-vehicle interface module 14 can include ahousing 39 having various external connections, as discussed below. FIG.4 provides an exemplary illustration of the connected-vehicle interfacemodule 14 in the exemplary housing 39.

Referring again to FIG. 1 , in at least some embodiments, theconnected-vehicle interface module 14 serves to couple a vehicle warningsystem 12 to a road side unit 16, with the road side unit 16 receivingactivation signals (indicating hazardous road condition warnings) fromthe connected-vehicle interface module 14 and then communicating them tothe in-vehicle interface device 18 of a connected vehicle 21 (i.e., avehicle that is configured for communication with a road side unit or anetwork that receives information from a road side unit). The road sideunit 16 is a well-known device that includes various inputs and outputs,including an ethernet input port to communicate with other devices andone or more radios to send data to in-vehicle interface devices 18. Inat least some embodiments, exemplary road side units 16 can include P/NRIS-9260 as manufactured by KAPSCH in Vienna, Austria and P/N ESCoS asmanufactured by SEIMENS in Austin, Texas. Further, in at least someembodiments, the connected-vehicle interface module 14 is installed inthe same cabinet as the power supply for road side unit 16 and cantherefore derive operational power from the same power source as theroad side unit 16, whether this power source is AC mains power or largesolar panel and batteries, although in some embodiments, theconnected-vehicle interface module 14 can utilize a different powersource, such as its own battery and solar panel, similar to the battery26 and solar panel 28 found in the vehicle warning system 12. In atleast some embodiments, the road side unit 16 is located proximate tothe connected-vehicle interface module 14, such as mounted on the samestructure (e.g., a pole, building, etc.).

In at least some embodiments, the in-vehicle interface device 18 shallbe understood to include a device situated in a vehicle that can receivedirectly or indirectly (e.g., via a network in communication with theroad side unit 16) from the road side unit 16, information provided tothe road side unit 16 by the connected-vehicle interface module 14, andwhich originated from the vehicle warning system 12. Generally, thein-vehicle interface device 18 includes a receiver 19 configured tocommunicate directly with the road side unit 16 or a network that is incommunication with the road side unit 16. Such communication can occurusing known protocols and transmission methods, for example DedicatedShort-Range Communication (DSRC), Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything(C-V2X), Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) wireless communication, althoughother types of communication can be utilized as well. In at least someembodiments, the in-vehicle interface device 18 is an On-Board Unit(OBU), for example P/N MW2000 as manufactured by SAVARI OF FarmingtonHills, Michigan.

Referring to FIG. 5 , a block diagram of the exemplary connected-vehicleinterface controller 34 is provided. In at least some embodiments, theconnected-vehicle interface controller 34 includes a microcontroller 40and a plurality of universal asynchronous receiver transmitters 42 forreceiving, transmitting, and processing data received by theconnected-vehicle controller 32 and connected-vehicle radio 30. In atleast some embodiments the microcontroller 40 can be a P/N STM32F207ZGT7as manufactured by ST MICROELECTRONICS of Shanghai, China, and theuniversal asynchronous receiver transmitters 42 can be a P/NSN74LVC2G14DCKR, as manufactured by TEXAS INSTRUMENTS of Dallas, Texas.In at least some embodiments, the connected-vehicle interface controller34 can further include, a memory device 44, ethernet transceiver 46, anRJ45 connector 48, an I/O buffer 50, a voltage regulator 52, a radioconnection port 54, a connected-vehicle controller connection port 56,and a sensor input port 58. The memory device 44 can include varioustypes of known memory, such as an EEPROM (e.g. a 32-Kbit serial SPI busEEPROM). The memory device 44 is used for storing program data,application settings, and device configuration. The ethernet transceiver46 (e.g., P/N LAN8742A-CZ-TR as manufactured by MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY ofChandler, Arizona) is coupled with the microcontroller 40 and the RJ45connector 48, and is utilized to communicate directly with the road sideunit 16 via ethernet.

An ethernet cable 60 can used to directly connect the connected-vehicleinterface module 14 to the road side unit 16, although if desired, theethernet cable 60 can be connected to a known wireless broadband orcellular router (not shown), to provide a wireless connection to theroad side unit 16, which is connected via a matching router. Further,the coupling of the connected-vehicle interface module 14 to the roadside unit 16 can be accomplished using various other known methods ofcommunication. The voltage regulator 52 can include any of various knownvoltage regulators, although in at least some embodiments, the voltageregulator 52 can be a low dropout regulator, such as a P/N TPS70612DBVR,as manufactured by TEXAS INSTRUMENTS of Dallas, Texas. The voltageregulator 52 can receive regulated power from an AC powered DC powersupply or the battery 26. The I/O buffer 50 serves to buffer activationsignals passing to the microcontroller 40 from sensors 24 connecteddirectly via the sensor input port 58 and can include any of variousknown I/O buffers, for example P/N SN74LVC2G17DCKR, as manufactured byTEXAS INSTRUMENTS of Dallas, Texas. The radio connection port 54 couplesthe connected-vehicle radio 30 with the connected-vehicle interfacecontroller 34 using any of various connecting methods, although in atleast some embodiments, it is configured to receive a ribbon cableconnector that attaches to the connected-vehicle radio 30 to provide acommunication link therebetween. Similarly, the connected-vehiclecontroller connection port 56 couples the connected-vehicle controller32 with the connected-vehicle interface controller 34 using any ofvarious connecting methods, although in at least some embodiments, it isconfigured to receive a ribbon cable connector that attaches to theconnected-vehicle controller 32 to provide a communication linktherebetween. The aforementioned components of the connected-vehicleinterface controller 34 can in at least some embodiments, be provided ona single or multiple circuit boards 62. Although various configurationsof the connected-vehicle interface controller 34 are contemplated, FIG.6 is additionally provided as one exemplary embodiment of theconnected-vehicle interface controller 34 shown in FIG. 5 .

In at least some embodiments, The connected-vehicle interface module 14is encased in the housing 39 and is intended to be mounted inside acabinet, along with equipment to power the road side unit 16 that it ispaired with. The connected-vehicle interface module 14 connects to andcommunicates with the road side unit 16. In at least some embodiments,the connected-vehicle interface module 14 includes a backlit, multi-lineLCD display, four status LEDs, and a joystick for navigating a menu forthe connected-vehicle radio 30, reviewing system status, and makingchanges to connect the connected-vehicle radio 30 with other warningsystem radios 20 included in the connected vehicle communication system10.

The connected-vehicle interface module 14 can further include an antennaconnector 64 for coupling a wireless antenna. As noted above, theoperator interface 38 can include multiple peripherals, including a USBport 66 on the housing 39 that can be used to connect to theconnected-vehicle radio 30 for device diagnostics and updates. Thehousing 39 can further include a plurality of status LEDs 68, which canindicate power, communication and activation status of theconnected-vehicle interface module 14. In addition, power can bereceived in any of various manners, for example, a power port 69 can beprovided for providing power to the connected-vehicle interface module14, wherein in at least some embodiments, the power port 69 is coupleddirectly to the connected-vehicle controller 32, which in turn providespower to the connected-vehicle radio 30 and the connected-vehicleinterface controller 34. In at least some embodiments, the sensor inputport 58 can be integral or adjacent to the power port 69.

Referring to FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 the connected-vehicle interface module 14provides flexibility for numerous connected vehicle communication systemconfigurations, which can vary depending on the available equipment,available power, and distance between components. In at least someembodiments, one or more vehicle warning systems 12 are installed at oneor more different locations, each powered by either an AC main or solarpanels and batteries. The road side unit 16 is installed on a nearbystructure. The exact location of the road side unit 16 is not critical,as long as the road side unit 16 communication extends far enough thatin-vehicle interface devices 18 can receive messages in the desiredrange. The road side unit 16 is connected via ethernet connection (e.g.,ethernet cable 60) to the connected-vehicle interface module 14, whichcan be housed in a cabinet 70 mounted on the same pole as the road sideunit 16 (or in a separate location distanced from the road side unit16). In at least some embodiments, the road side unit 16 can be mountedin the cabinet 70 with the connected-vehicle interface module 14. Thecabinet can also house power equipment, such as an AC circuit breaker,lightning arrester, solar charger, etc., as well as a power source forthe road side unit 16, such as a Power Over Ethernet (POE) connection.

When the vehicle warning system 12 is activated (by a potentiallyhazardous road condition being sensed), the associated annunciator 25 isactivated to visually warn drivers of the condition. In addition, thevehicle warning system 12 generates an activation signal that will betransmitted wirelessly over the warning system radio 20 from the warningsystem controller 22 to all other warning system controllers 22 withwarning system radios 20 configured for communication on the samenetwork. Since the connected-vehicle radio 30 is configured forcommunication on the same network, it would receive the activationsignal wirelessly. Once the connected-vehicle radio 30 receives theactivation signal, it will communicate this activation signal(indicating the vehicle warning systems 12 is in active status) over theethernet cable 60 to the road side unit 16 via known standardcommunication protocols, such as NTCIP 1202, SAE J2735, etc. It shall beunderstood that in at least some embodiments, the term “activationsignal” is representative of one or more forms depending on the sourceand receiver, for example, in one form the activation signal can includea hi or lo bit transmitted in a digital signal, while in other forms, itcan include a text message detailing a specific hazardous roadcondition, while in yet other forms, it can include a set pattern ofdata sent over a wireless radio link. When the road side unit 16receives the signal from the connected-vehicle interface module 14indicating that the vehicle warning system 12 has been activated, itwill start broadcasting standard messages based on the type of vehiclewarning system (i.e., pedestrian in the crosswalk, wrong-way vehicledetected, etc.), warning drivers of connected vehicles 21 of thehazardous road condition. Connected vehicles 21 (e.g., vehicles with anin-vehicle interface device 18) will receive these messages when theyare within communication range of the road side unit 16 (or areotherwise determined by a network to be near the detected hazardous roadcondition, in the case where the vehicle interface device 18 isconnected to a network (e.g., cellular) that is broadcasting activationsignals received from a road side unit 16), and will be able to displaya warning message to the driver. The exact display of the message ishighly dependent on various things, such as the brand of vehicle or themanufacturer of the in-vehicle interface device 18, although in at leastsome embodiments, the message sent to the connected vehicles 21 willfollow SAE standards, so that it can be correctly received by anyin-vehicle interface device 18 that is following the same messagingstandards.

If multiple road side units 16 were to be associated with a singlevehicle warning system 12, such as illustrated in FIG. 8 , the wirelesscommunication capabilities of the connected-vehicle interface module 14allow each road side unit 16 and connected-vehicle interface module 14pair to be placed wherever is convenient, such as on existing structureswith AC power. When an activation signal is generated by the vehiclewarning system 12, all road side units 16 would start sending messagesto connected vehicles 21 as programmed, because all theconnected-vehicle interface modules 14 are connected through wirelessradio communication back to the warning system controllers 22. Inaddition, if each location where a road side unit 16 was to be mountedhad a network connection run to it, the road side units 16 can beconnected to a network and activated through that network from a singleconnected-vehicle interface module 14; however, a network connection isnot required, so if an installation does not have a network connectionrun to each mounting location already, it would not be required to runnetwork communication in order to utilize multiple road side units 16 tosend hazardous road condition alerts for a single activation signal.Further, additional connected-vehicle interface module 14 and road sideunit 16 pairs could receive an activation signal directly from the firstconnected-vehicle interface module 14 and road side unit 16 pair, asopposed to the vehicle warning system 12, which can be advantageous whenthe second connected-vehicle interface module 14 and road side unit 16pair is out of range of the vehicle warning system 12, but within rangeof the first connected-vehicle interface module 14 and road side unit 16pair.

Referring to FIG. 9 , another embodiment of the connected vehiclecommunication system 10 is illustrated, wherein the vehicle warningsystem 12 communicates the activation signal to the connected-vehicleinterface module 14, and the connected-vehicle interface module 14 sendsthe activation signal to a network 72, which then transmits theactivation signal to an in-vehicle interface device 18. Communicationbetween the components can include various known communication methods,such as cellular communication. This configuration is useful when forexample a road side unit 16 cannot be easily coupled with theconnected-vehicle interface module 14. The term “network” is intended toencompass known systems of computers, transmitters, and receivers thatare dedicated to receiving and processing information from variousdevices (e.g. traffic controllers, road side units, etc.) that informthe network of various road conditions, wherein the network isconfigured to broadcast the information to connected vehicles 21 usingone or more known communication methods, such as cellular towers, etc.

The connected-vehicle interface module 14 solves numerous challenges ofenhancing a vehicle warning system with a road side unit. For example,it connects directly to the road side unit 16 and communicatesactivation status of the warning system via standard communicationprotocols, thereby eliminating the need to have a traffic signalcontroller connected to the road side unit 16. The connected-vehicleinterface module 14 receives the activation signal from the vehiclewarning system 12 wirelessly through radio communication with the otherwarning system controllers 22. This allows the connected-vehicleinterface module 14 and road side unit 16 to be mounted on a pole orstructure that has AC power or a large solar panel 28, separate fromwhere the vehicle warning system 12 is mounted. Such a pole or structurecould be a nearby street light pole, a nearby traffic signal pole, oreven on a nearby building. Because the connected-vehicle interfacemodule 14 and road side unit 16 are mounted and powered on a separatestructure and communicate wirelessly with the warning system controller22, the vehicle warning system 12 does not require any changes to itssolar panel 28, its battery 26 for power, or its cabinet size to houseextra equipment. A vehicle warning system 12 already installed in thefield can be upgraded without having to add any equipment to the currentpoles, only needing to mount the connected-vehicle interface module 14cabinet and road side unit 16 to a nearby structure with AC power or alarge solar panel 28 and battery 26.

Road side units 16 in conformance with the US Department ofTransportation's standards specification have an ethernet port forcommunication, so the connected-vehicle interface module 14 willinterface with all standard road side units 16. In at least someembodiments, the connected-vehicle interface module 14 can include otherknown communication methods in addition to or in place of ethernet, tocommunicate with road side units 16, such as BLUETOOTH, WI-FI, etc. Theconnected-vehicle interface module 14 is designed to be flexible andcommunicate with multiple manufacturers of road side units 16. While allroad side units 16 follow the same basic standards, they have differentmethods of receiving activation to start sending messages. In at leastsome embodiments, the connected-vehicle interface module 14 is agnosticand therefore support for different road side unit 16 manufacturers ispossible, and can be easily expanded through software updates. Due tothe flexibility of the connected-vehicle interface module 14 tocommunicate with a variety of road side units 16 from differentmanufacturing brands, users can add the connected-vehicle interfacemodule 14 to an existing or even planned installation, even if they havenot yet decided on a particular brand or model of road side unit 16. Theroad side unit 16 can be added to the system when chosen, and anychanges necessary to allow the connected-vehicle interface module 14 tocommunicate with the road side unit 16 would be purely software related,which can be addressed using software updates, something an operator caneasily do even when the device is installed.

The connected vehicle communication system 10 can be utilized in variousmethods to communicate a sensed condition on a roadway to a driver, oneexemplary method is illustrated in flow chart 74 as shown in FIG. 10 andincludes: sensing a condition on the roadway using a sensor 24 incommunication with a vehicle warning system controller 22 at step 76;activating an annunciator 25 via the vehicle warning system controller22 at step 78; transmitting an activation signal from the vehiclewarning system controller 22 at step 80; receiving the activation signalat a connected-vehicle interface module at step 82; the activationsignal to road side unit 16 via a wired connection from theconnected-vehicle interface module 14 at step 84; and transmitting viathe road side unit 16, the activation signal to an in-vehicle interfacedevice 18 for annunciation to the driver at step 86.

All exemplary components listed herein by a specific P/N (part number)are publically available, with their composition, function, andcapabilities apparent to those skilled in the art, and are hereinincorporated by reference in their entirety. It is specifically intendedthat the connected-vehicle interface module and method of use is not tobe limited to the embodiments and illustrations contained herein, butinclude modified forms of those embodiments including portions of theembodiments and combinations of elements of different embodiments ascome within the scope of the following claims. Further, the stepsdescribed herein with reference to the method of operation (processes)are not to be considered limiting and can include variations, such asadditional steps, removed steps, and re-ordered steps.

We claim:
 1. A connected-vehicle interface module comprising: aconnected-vehicle controller; a wireless data connected-vehicle radiofor receiving an activation signal from a first vehicle warning systemcontroller indicating a road condition; a connected-vehicle interfacecontroller comprising: a microcontroller and a plurality of universalasynchronous receiver transmitters for receiving, transmitting, andprocessing data received by at least one of the connected-vehiclecontroller and the connected-vehicle radio, and communicated to themicrocontroller via one or more wired connections; a memory device incommunication with the microcontroller for storing program data; atransceiver and one or more communication ports, coupled to themicrocontroller, for connection and communication with a connectedvehicle road side unit, wherein the activation signal is communicated tothe connected vehicle road side unit via the one or more communicationports; and at least one operator interface in communication with atleast one of the connected-vehicle radio, the connected-vehicleinterface controller, and the connected-vehicle controller.
 2. Theconnected-vehicle interface module of claim 1, wherein the activationsignal is received from the first vehicle warning system controllerduring activation of a first vehicle warning system.
 3. Theconnected-vehicle interface module of claim 2, wherein the first vehiclewarning system includes a sensor comprising of at least one of a radarspeed sensor, a vehicle presence sensor, a radar direction sensor, avehicle height sensor, an ice detection sensor, a moisture detectionsensor, a thermal detection sensor, a pedestrian detection sensor, and awater level sensor.
 4. The connected-vehicle interface module of claim1, wherein the connected vehicle road side unit is located proximate tothe connected-vehicle interface module.
 5. A connected-vehicle interfacemodule comprising: a connected-vehicle controller; a wireless dataconnected-vehicle radio; a connected-vehicle interface controllercomprising: a microcontroller and a plurality of universal asynchronousreceiver transmitters for receiving, transmitting, and processing datareceived by at least one of the connected-vehicle controller and theconnected-vehicle radio, and communicated to the microcontroller via oneor more wired connections; a memory device in communication with themicrocontroller; and one or more communication ports, coupled to themicrocontroller, for connection and communication with a connectedvehicle road side unit; at least one operator interface in communicationwith at least one of the connected-vehicle radio, the connected-vehiclecontroller, and the connected-vehicle interface controller, wherein theconnected-vehicle interface controller is coupled to a sensor fordetecting a road condition, and wherein the connected-vehicle interfacecontroller generates an activation signal upon detection of the roadcondition by the sensor and communicates the activation signal to theconnected vehicle road side unit.
 6. The connected-vehicle interfacemodule of claim 5, wherein the sensor is one of a radar speed sensor, aradar direction sensor, an ice detection sensor, a moisture detectionsensor, a vehicle presence sensor, a vehicle height sensor, a thermaldetection sensor, a pedestrian detection sensor, and a water levelsensor.
 7. The connected-vehicle interface module of claim 5, whereinthe connected vehicle road side unit is located proximate to theconnected-vehicle interface controller.
 8. A method of communicating asensed condition on a roadway to a driver comprising: sensing acondition on the roadway using a sensor in communication with a vehiclewarning system controller; activating an annunciator via the vehiclewarning system controller; transmitting an activation signal from thevehicle warning system controller; receiving the activation signal at aconnected-vehicle interface module; communicating the activation signalto a connected vehicle road side unit; and transmitting via theconnected vehicle road side unit, the activation signal to an in-vehicleinterface device for annunciation to the driver.
 9. A communicationsystem comprising: a connected vehicle road side unit; and a housingenclosing a power supply for the connected vehicle road side unit and aconnected-vehicle interface module, the connected-vehicle interfacemodule comprising: a connected-vehicle controller; a wireless dataconnected-vehicle radio for receiving an activation signal indicating aroad condition; a microcontroller and a plurality of universalasynchronous receiver transmitters for receiving, transmitting, andprocessing data received by at least one of the connected-vehiclecontroller and the connected-vehicle radio, and communicated to themicrocontroller via one or more wired connections; a memory device incommunication with the microcontroller for storing program data; atleast one configuration interface in communication with at least one ofthe connected-vehicle radio, the microcontroller, and theconnected-vehicle controller; and an ethernet transceiver for connectionand communication with the connected vehicle road side unit, wherein theactivation signal is communicated to the connected vehicle road sideunit via an ethernet cable coupled to the communication port.